Government should be even bolder in tackling tax avoidance

Welcoming the government's consultation, announced today (Tuesday), on tax measures that will be included in the Finance Bill next year, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Ministers are absolutely right to close down notorious tax loopholes that allow the super-rich to dodge billions of pounds worth of tax that ordinary people have no choice but to pay.

'But too many loopholes will be left in place and the government has a long way to go before it can justifiably claim to be taking a tough line on tax avoidance.

'Closing down the stamp duty loophole is particularly welcome as it would tackle offshore abuse and raise revenue through property sales and council tax.

'However allowing wealthy non-doms to continue to avoid paying their fair share of tax for a charge - a loophole that costs ordinary taxpayers up to £3bn a year - is very disappointing at a time when public finances are under close scrutiny.

'Public sector workers are right to ask why they are being told to pick up the tab in increased pension contributions so that the government can let super-rich non-doms off the hook again.'